Sam Altman-backed Oklo to cool AI data centers with new nuclear tech

Oklo, a nuclear technology company backed by Sam Altman, has partnered with Vertiv, a leader in digital infrastructure, to develop an integrated power and cooling system for hyperscale and colocation data centers. This system will leverage Oklo’s small modular reactors (SMRs) to generate steam and electricity, combined with Vertiv’s thermal management technology, aiming to optimize both power and cooling efficiently and sustainably. The collaboration seeks to address common data center challenges such as high energy demand, reliance on power grids, and environmental impact by providing a reliable, carbon-free energy source that can be located near data centers for improved performance and scalability. The partnership comes amid the rapid growth of AI and high-performance computing, which significantly increases power consumption in data centers. Oklo’s SMRs are designed for flexibility and quick adaptation to changing energy needs, enabling continuous, stable power supply critical for data center operations. By integrating power generation and cooling solutions from the outset, Oklo and Vertiv aim to enhance energy efficiency